Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Why You Should Never Order This Mixed Drink

The combo has a potentially dangerous domino effect—let us explain.

Why You Should Never Order This Mixed Drink The combo has a potentially dangerous domino effect—let us explain.

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Cocktails mixed with energy drinks are super popular, but before you order one at happy hour, listen to this: People who consumed energy drink-infused booze had a stronger desire to keep drinking than those who drank vodka and soda water, according to a new study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. These findings echo previous studies showing that fans of these cocktails are at a greater risk of binge drinking.

Researchers divided 75 young adults, ages 18 to 30, into two groups. The first group was given vodka containing fruit juice and an energy drink; the second group had the same amount of vodka, fruit juice, and soda water. After 20 minutes, all were asked to fill out questionnaires and undergo a breath alcohol test. Study subjects who consumed the energy drink in their cocktail reported liking the drink best and wanting more, even though the combo didn't physically affect them any differently—in other words, they weren't actually drunker than the soda water-swilling group.

The researchers concede that they only measured how much the study subjects intended to drink, not what they actually pounded back the rest of the night (because, ethics). That said, it's safe to say that the energy drink mixer made people in the study want to drink even more, which could have serious consequences on a typical night out.

The more alcohol a person ingests, the more likely they are to overdo it and risk injury, assault, or drunk driving. And don't forget one more hazard: The potential to consume a TON of unwanted calories. Not to mention that energy drinksare already under scrutiny for containing undisclosed ingredients that are not thoroughly vetted by the FDA. And even the known ingredients—caffeine, sugar, and other energy-boosters—can mask the effects of alcohol and lead you to drink more and for a longer period of time.